The Bicycle Adventure Club - Come Ride With Us!

Solvang Winter Break 2019

February 10th to February 16th

Ride Director: George Ellis
Ride Co-Director: Dianne Olsen
Report by: Mary Lou Engert

Solvang 2019 Tripper Report

George Ellis and Dianne Olsen once again hosted an eclectic group of cyclists to celebrate winter cycling in Solvang California between February 10 and 16, 2019. The group started with 24 cyclists, 14 of whom were new to the Solvang ride and 7 of whom were on their first ever BAC ride!  It was a pleasure to meet the new folks with their diverse cycle touring backgrounds.

We had two beautiful, typically sunny Solvang winter days, warm enough for lunch outside in Los Olivos for many.  Riders took off in all directions, some repeating favorite old rides and many to explore with George and Dianne routes that have become traditional Solvang experiences. We rediscovered that old Solvang favorite, Ballard Canyon, finding it extra green this year because of unusually heavy rains. Happy Canyon and Santa Rosa Road as well as the road to Jalama Beach were popular destinations as well.

Then what the weathermen called an “atmospheric river” dominated the last three days. Some of us went to explore Solvang and other nearby towns and restaurants instead of venturing out on a bicycle. Others, especially our rain hardened Seattle folks, headed out into the storm, riding every day. A few of us rode partial days despite the rain. George Ellis and Mike Shaw headed out the last day meeting up with Juli and Paul Zalud near Zaca Mesa, home of the Fess Parker winery. Our group got smaller during the week as the rain continued, giving many of us an opportunity to get acquainted and form lasting friendships.

George and Dianne’s choices of restaurants for the group dinners were very popular and well received. Once again the Wine Valley Inn proved a relaxing environment for hanging out after riding or during the storm.  Of course, Saturday the 16th dawned with a blue sky as we all packed up and headed in our separate ways leaving the green hills of Solvang behind us.